Weaknesses: people does not seem to be able to set it up, on the demo9 it was no problem

Bottom Line:

It was easy to set up correct, just read the instructions and you get the idea how to fit it. Have worked flawlessly the whole season, including 4 weeks of hard use in Morzine/Les Gets in France. Does not make any annoying sound at all.

Considering the reviews below I cannot say I have had the same experiense, but yes I used a lot of spacers to get the correct chain line. Maybe the E13 guides are better, but twice as good??? considering their prices...The AS-1 keeps my chain in place, and it looks good too.

Strengths: it works well once its set up properly. It was really cheap.

Weaknesses: to set the thing up is nearly impossible. Makes tons of noise if not dialed perfectly.

Bottom Line:

it took some serious modifications to fit properly( grinding and drilling and lots of spacers) its really a bit of a mess but it works well. I slipped of a log on cbc and smashed the roller into the log and it just kept going straight. It works but i would not suggest spending a lot of money on one.

Strengths: works really well when its new and the bolts and screws are cranked

Weaknesses: after a little bit of use the thing just turns to junk causes the multiple pieces all start loosening up and shifting. everyone ive talked to has had the same problem that i have which is that the chain shifts during bumps and then when you go to pedel you force the chain outside of the guard. Its really irritating cause it happens a bunch during everyride and it takes a good ten minutes to muscle the chain back to the right place.

Bottom Line:

Great at the beginning but it soon becomes just another problem that you shouldnt have to worry about when riding a $4000+ bike. Do yourself a favor and go with an Evil cause its the best guard out right now.

Strengths: It is better than using three rings and a derailluer. Not too difficult to get initial setup going.

Weaknesses: Chain falls off quite often still. So I decided to set the inner plate all the way in near the chain, then i shift and the chain rubs on the plate, loud noise, really annoying. Top plastic guard is pointless.

Bottom Line:

I would suggest buying a different brand with dual rollers like EvilBikes or something. The 'Spire design seems to be lacking in this area. Also it is really annoying to get into a fast rocky decent, then start to crank and realize the chain is off, what's more annoying is that it happens two or more times a ride!? I thought maybe it was just how I had it setup, but I have had it checked, and everyone tells me it is on right.

It looks cool and is easy to set up, it works reliably on World Cup Downhills too, after 6 months no problems with throwing or sucking the ring (ooh errr!), however my bash plate and Blackspire ring is bent from what I don't know, this hasn't effected the performance though. Very cheap and reliable so no real big complaints.

Don't be afraid to bend it to get it on the bike. Spend the time to line everything up and you will be very very very happy. Used to have problems with Chainsuck on most rides, now I have no problems EVER!!

Related AS - 1 Chainguide Forum Posts

Anyone tried using a front chainguide like the Blackspire stinger ([url]http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=35818[/url]) for a tensioner? I have a DMR tensioner at the moment, but it cannot adjust far enough so I took one screw out and use a bit of locktite in the remaining screw ... Read More »

E13's believe it or not do fail, and when they do, it's bad. Meaning chain wedged between the backplate and the chainring locking your pedals kind of bad. They also drag like crazy and the bashplate gets bent into the chainring when it takes a sideways hit. They're out.
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So I'm slowly converting my Nomad to a 1x9 setup and eventually plan on getting a full on chainguide. For now I've removed the front trigger and cable and want to use my XT front derailler as a chainguide to keep from throwing the chain. How do I do that?
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Hi All,
I've been fiddling around with my new cranks for the last couple of days and can't get my head around why they won't work with my chainguide. I have bought Raceface Atlas X-types, they are new and straight off a bike with the same width BB shell. My setup is like so L to R:
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Can you use a chainguide as a tensioner, specifically an MRP World Cup II? My idea was that I'd get the chain fairly tight, then install the wheels on the chainring and push up on them to tighten up the slack. That way I can still use quick release skewers on a horizontal dropout without the Eccen ... Read More »